Biden Withdraws From Presidential Campaign

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race four months before voters go to the polls. 
 
The president on Sunday afternoon released a statement confirming his withdrawal and throwing his support to Vice President Kamala Harris. 
 
He said he would address the nation later this week about his decision.
 
Massachusetts had gone strong for Biden in 2020 when he won the state's primary over local pols U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders and took two-thirds of the vote in the general election. 
 
But he has apparently bowed to pressure after the constant drumbeat in the press over the 81-year-old president's capabilities after a poor debate performance, and public questioning over his ability to win by congressional Democrats.
 
Polls this week found 2 in 3 Bay State voters wished for him to step aside. 
 
"President Biden's decision today not to seek re-election is the ultimate example of putting the country first — something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service," said Gov. Maura Healey in a statement. 
 
Healey said Biden had to "carefully evaluate" his campaign after his meeting with governors earlier this month. 

Warren sent out a statement saying she endorses Harris for president.

"She is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion. As a former prosecutor, she can press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House," Warren wrote. "We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November."

What's not clear is what happens next. The Democratic Convention is set for Aug. 19 in Chicago — raising the specter of the chaotic 1968 convention. 
 
President Lyndon Johnson had dropped out during the primaries and thrown his support to his vice president, Hubert Humphry, who did not compete in any primaries. He was expected to be challenged at the convention by Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated on June 5.
 
The party was riven over the war in Vietnam and failed to coalesce around Humphry, who was beaten by Richard Nixon that November.
 
This year's convention won't be quite the same, but war, divisions, a vice presidential heir apparent and, oddly, RFK, will again be among the topics.

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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